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Back in the 1940s, in the early days of World War II, a buyer for Filene's Basement had occasion to go down to the United States Custom House in Boston. While looking out over the harbor, he sighted the Queen Mary steaming into port. He recalled reading that she was to be converted to a troopship. Quick thinking brought the realization that the beautiful gift shops on board would be dismantled. He immediately hurried down to the pier where she was docked and was able to buy the stock at a very favorable price - a great coup for Filene's Basement and a tribute to the astuteness of their employee!
The Queen Mary carried an average of more than 15,000 troops. She was released from military duty in 1946 and, after refurbishment, returned to peacetime crossings between Southampton, Cherbourg, and New York. In 1967 she was sold to the City of Long Beach, California for use as a maritime museum and hotel. Hail to the Filene's Basement buyer and to the Queen Mary! November 5, 1999
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